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FFA signs international media rights deal with IMG

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has signed an international media rights deal with IMG.

The multimillion dollar deal gives IMG the right to market the Hyundai A-League, Westfield W-League and Westfield FFA Cup, as well as selected Caltex Socceroos and Westfield Matildas matches, to broadcasters around the world for six years from the 2017/18 season.

The IMG agreement complements FFA’s new domestic broadcast arrangements made with FOX SPORTS, Foxtel and News Corp in December 2016. The final part of FFA’s broadcast rights, a commercial free to air deal the Ten Network, was recently announced.

David Gallop, CEO, FFA said: “Australian football has never been seen by more people around the world. This deal with IMG provides more funds to invest in the game and will help to enhance the reputation of the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League, and our national teams around the world.”

Chris Guinness, Senior Vice President, IMG Media, Asia said: “Football in Australia is continuing to enjoy an upward curve in terms of quality and interest from around the world with many players from more established leagues now playing their trade in the A-League. We are delighted to have entered into this new partnership with the FFA, amidst very strong interest, and are looking forward to helping them grow media coverage and awareness of Australian football.”

The Hyundai A-League was established in 2004 as a successor to the National Soccer League (NSL) with competition commencing in August 2005. The league is contested by ten teams; nine based in Australia and one in New Zealand.

The Hyundai A-League season runs from October to May followed by a Finals Series involving the top six teams and culminating in the Grand Final. The winner of the Hyundai A-League Grand Final and the top team from the Hyundai A-League regular season (Premiers) received direct qualification to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL).